'80s Metal History (July 11th)

July 11, 2003: After more than a decade apart, Judas Priest announced they had reunited with Rob Halford in time for a 30th-anniversary tour. A logical and welcome move, even Halford's replacement, Tim "Ripper" Owens, had little objection.

July 11, 1982: Def Leppard parted ways with original guitarist Pete Willis during the making of "Pyromania". He was replaced by Girl guitarist Phil Collen the next day. As of 2002, Pete was running a Sheffield property management company.

July 11, 1990: Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler was fired by the band and replaced by The Cult's Matt Sorum. A year later, Adler filed suit and was eventually awarded royalties for everything he recorded prior to his departure.

July 11, 1980: With new singer Bruce Dickinson, Samson released their second studio album "Head On" in the UK. An early version of Iron Maiden instrumental "The Ides Of March" appears on this LP as "Thunderburst" and is credited as co-written by Steve Harris. Release date source: Music Week - July 12, 1980.

July 11, 1981: "Motorhead (Live)" the only single from Motörhead's first live album "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith" debuted on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent seven weeks and peaked at No. 6. The single B-side is non-album track "Over The Top".

July 1981: Saxon released "Never Surrender" as the second single from their next album "Denim and Leather" in the UK. It would become the band's third most successful single to date, reaching No. 18 on the Official Charts. Release information source: Record Mirror ad - July 11, 1981.

July 1986: Ahead of the release of their first album on Capitol Records titled "Shot In The Dark", Great White issued a cover of "Face The Day" (originally recorded six years earlier by Australian hard rock band The Angels [Known as Angel City in the US]) to American rock radio stations. Release information source: FMQB radio trade publication ad - July 11, 1986.

Happy Birthday to Mercyful Fate founding member and guitarist Hank Shermann (July 11, 1958).

Happy Birthday to Helstar founder and guitarist Larry Barragan (July 11, 1964).

Happy Birthday to Keel guitarist Brian Jay (July 11, 1961).

Happy Birthday to Razor founder and guitarist Dave Carlo (July 11, 1964).

Remembering Tank founder, bassist and singer Algy Ward, who would have celebrated a birthday today (July 11, 1959). Algy died in 2023. R.I.P.

July 11, 1995: Motörhead released their 12th studio album "Sacrifice" in North America featuring the title track that was also used in the film "Tromeo and Juliet", a comedic, low-budget adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy that is narrated by Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. "Sacrifice" is the second and final album to feature the four-piece lineup of Lemmy, Phil Campbell, Würzel, and Mikkey Dee, as Würzel left the band after the album's recording. "This is a very good album, put it in your system and your girlfriend's clothes fall off." -Lemmy Release date source: CMJ New Music Report ad - July 10, 1995.

July 11, 2000: Returning to the style that brought them commercial success in the '80s, Mötley Crüe released their eighth studio album "New Tattoo", their only LP without Tommy Lee. Former Ozzy drummer Randy Castillo played on the album. Release date source: CMJ New Music Report - July 10, 2000.

July 11, 1999: With singer Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith back in the band, the World Piece Tour-era line-up had reunited and Iron Maiden launched the "Ed Hunter" tour in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.